Physical fitness is important for people of all ages. Modern medicine has emphasized the many benefits of moderate exercise for almost all adults, especially older adults, for many years. Recent research, however, has shown an alarming epidemic of obesity and lack of physical activity in children in the U.S. and Europe. These studies have led to government agencies, school districts and private organizations undertaking initiatives to get kids to eat better and get more exercise. This in turn is leading to a greater demand for children's fitness instructors.

Physical fitness is important for people of all ages. Modern medicine has emphasized the many benefits of moderate exercise for almost all adults, especially older adults, for many years. Recent research, however, has shown an alarming epidemic of obesity and lack of physical activity in children in the U.S. and Europe. These studies have led to government agencies, school districts and private organizations undertaking initiatives to get kids to eat better and get more exercise. This in turn is leading to a greater demand for children's fitness instructors.

Complete an associate or bachelor's degree program in exercise science or physical education. Although a degree is not always required to work as a fitness instructor, many employers, especially school districts, prefer to hire instructors with a degree. Take classes in child psychology and early and middle school education to prepare for a career as a children's fitness instructor.

Earn a certification in children's fitness instruction. You can choose from a number of programs, but the American Fitness Professionals & Associates Children's Fitness Specialist Certification course is perhaps the most well known. The program is offered both online and in major cities in an in-person class format. If you choose the online version, you have six months to complete the program and pass the written exam. You will learn the foundations of physical exercise, how to perform health and strength assessments, techniques for working with children and designing workouts based on the sports or activities in which children participate.

Apply for children's fitness instructor positions in your area. Schools, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs and larger churches all typically hire fitness instructors specifically to work with children. Although some full-time positions are available, in most cases, you are hired to teach a specific set of classes and paid hourly or by the class.

Tip

Volunteer as a children's fitness instructor at a local community center or children's shelter to get some professional experience.

2016 Salary Information for Fitness Trainers and Instructors

Fitness trainers and instructors earned a median annual salary of $38,160 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, fitness trainers and instructors earned a 25th percentile salary of $24,120, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $55,010, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 299,200 people were employed in the U.S. as fitness trainers and instructors.

Tip

Volunteer as a children's fitness instructor at a local community center or children's shelter to get some professional experience.

About the Author

Clayton Browne has been writing professionally since 1994. He has written and edited everything from science fiction to semiconductor patents to dissertations in linguistics, having worked for Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Steck-Vaughn and The Psychological Corp. Browne has a Master of Science in linguistic anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.